Attachment 2 to Circular no. 12

1. What do I think is the priority structure to be constructed within the DM complex – Antipolo?

Ranking

RA House of Intercession for elderly/sick sisters

Retreat House or Spirituality Center

Lit. Center and Function Hall

Total

respondents

First Priority

31 sisters

22 sisters

25 sisters

78 sisters

Second Priority

26 sisters

26 sisters

25 sisters

77 sisters

Third Priority

22 sisters

26 sisters

26 sisters

74 sisters

Reading and interpretation:

This survey has been undertaken to better understand the “dreams and desires” of our members regarding the development project being proposed within the Divine Master Compound, so that we can have a better orientation on where to put our energies in the planning as we embark in this last year of our service of governance.

Of the results presented in the above table, for simplicity’s sake, we only take the FIRST ROW and read the FIRST PRIORITY chosen by the respondents. Out of the 78 respondents, 31 opted for the construction of the House for the elderly and sick sisters; this is less than half of the total. 25 sisters opted to put the construction of the Liturgical center and Function hall as First priority while 22 sisters chose the Retreat house as First priority. That means 47 sisters opted to prioritize the construction of an apostolic structure. Whether it is the Retreat House or the Liturgical Center/Function Hall matters little.

We try to intuit from this result that of the total number of members of the Province, only about one third are convinced of the need for a House for the sick and elderly sisters. The present structure of the Divine Master Convent seems to be enough for now for those who need specialized care because of aging and the presence of particular sickness.

The survey results show that more members are desirous to prioritize the construction of apostolic structures within the Divine Master compound. The design of this structure could include both the Retreat House/Spirituality Center and the Liturgical Center and Function Halls. Hence, it will be our challenge now to make a particular design that could include both, and propose it to the next General Government after the General Chapter. In all probability, this structure will be handed to the next Provincial Government for carrying out and bringing it to completion. This case is similar to what happened in 2011 when the outgoing Provincial government turned over the PDDM Davao Apostolic Center and Residence to the incoming Provincial government

2.Official and Un-official habit

2.1 What is my preferred color of the official habit?

White – 66

Blue – 30

Total respondents - 96

2.2 What is my preferred color of the blouse of the un-official habit?

White – 26

Light blue – 7

Both – 23

No answer – 9

Total respondents - 65

Reading and Interpretation:

This survey has been undertaken because of the many comments and questions that were brought to the Provincial Chapter assembly coming from the local communities.

Firstly, it is evident to all that the official habit in the Province as stated in the PTH Statutes n.57 is the traditional model approved in 1987 and that here in the Philippines, the color chosen was white, “especially during feasts and celebrations.” However, many have been using blue even on these occasions; hence the question about the preferred color was asked. From the results given above - 66 for white and 30 for blue - it is clear that the PTH Statutes n. 57 needs no amendment. Hence we are enjoined to follow and use white habit during feasts and celebrations, until such time that this preference will be reviewed again and decided differently.

Secondly, it is true that no one ever declared that there is an un-official habit in the Province, but the practice has been observed by some sisters - in the Philippines, Taiwan and Hong Kong – to use blouse and skirt, for various reasons, in informal occasions – meaning NOT “during feasts and celebrations.” Some of these occasions were mentioned in the survey: medical check-up, marketing, house activities, etc. Others gave the reason of health needs, practicality (as with our sister working in Pastoral Health Care in Hong Kong).

We noticed that other sisters who do not consider the question relevant, simply did not answer, hence the lowest turn-out of total respondents: only a total of 65 respondents, and of these, 56 sisters responded to the question regarding the choice of the color of the blouse. Careful reading of the results will show that the preference is for white blouse (26 sisters) plus 23 sisters who preferred both white and blue. Hence, we can deduce from this result that the preference is really for white blouse, of simple and dignified cut. Please avoid using T-shirts.

We repeat: This survey is not meant to impose anything to anyone but to put some order in this practice being followed by some of our members. A final recommendation: whatever we put on, especially in the chapel and in the places of apostolate, please let us maintain decorum and dignified bearing.